This is Alireza Ahmadian, a Vancouver-based writer, contributor and member of New Canadian Media (NCM). On behalf of NCM, I am reaching out to you to provide an update on NCM Collective (the Collective).

We are pleased with the response we have received thus far, so thank you so much for coming on board. Our membership has already doubled. There is definite interest in forming a collective of high-calibre journalists who can generate local content from a variety of ethnocultural perspectives.

Consider becoming a member of the Collective. It costs only $10. When you are a Collective member you will be paid $100 (the minimum) for each contribution you make to NCM’s on-line content. By representing and advocating on your behalf, New Canadian Media will be able to access many more funding sources than are currently available. NCM has determined that the Canada Periodical Fund's Collective Initiatives is a particularly good fit to support our journalism.

I'm delighted to confirm that we have joined the National NewsMedia Council to put a spotlight on our journalistic standards and our high ethical values. As you will notice, we thus join the very best of legacy media. Here's how this benefits members of the NCM Collective:

1) Pre-publication ethics support: Have a burning question that you’re not sure how to answer? Give us a call. Our media ethics ‘hotline’ is always available for you to consult. Our experienced staff will listen carefully to your query and provide quality feedback on how to navigate any sticky situations you might encounter.

2) Dispute resolution services: It’s a bridge we hope you’ll never have to cross. But if you do,we’ll be there to handle the complaint(s) from your readers. We believe strongly in due process and will resolve the complaints in a fair, transparent way. It’s no cost for complainants and no additional cost to you other than membership.

3) Public editor services: As a member of the NNC, we offer support for your public editor by providing assistance not only the small day-to-day details but also by helping bring the bigger picture into focus. Every second week we’ll provide you with a column on a topical issue in the journalism business that you can use in your newspaper, or on your website. We want to help you educate your audience on the importance of good journalism.

4) Build your own journalism skills: The NNC offers tailored in-person seminars on a variety of topics, ranging from social media ethics, to respecting individual privacy, to the rights of reporters. We also have a partnership agreement in place with the Poynter Institute so you can sign up for one or more of their award-winning webinars and work through them at your own pace.

5) Be part of ‘the club’: As home to a collective of freelance journalists, you are the future of the news business. While industry cutbacks present challenges to becoming ‘plugged in’ to the media scene, the NNC will help you build those important connections you need to help you grow your career in journalism.

The more Collective members we have, the more credible our claim will be that we represent voices absent in mainstream media. NCM's Collective is about your voice, my voice -- our voices. By becoming a member, you can play a pivotal role in shaping Canadian discourse and in how we are governed.

To become a Collective member, please click on the Paypal "Pay Now" link below.

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The honest truth is there is still reluctance around immigration policy... When we want to talk about immigration and we say we want to bring more immigrants in because it's good for the economy, we still get pushback.